Tree seedling abundance mediated by local neighborhood effects and microsite conditions

Tree recruitment across elevational gradients is shaped by myriad factors, including abundance of nearby conspecific adults and abiotic establishment conditions. We measured seedling abundance and overstory basal area for six tree species that dominate northern temperate and montane boreal forests on mountains in the northeastern United States. Data were collected on elevational transects spaced at 100m-intervals of elevation on ten mountains. Associated environmental variables, including vegetation cover, substrate, microclimate, and light environment, were also collected.